South AnteroomThe first stop on your journey is the original base camp established by the archaeologists who excavated the site. Here, they catalogued the art and artifacts they unearthed, piecing together the remarkable tale of Atlantis.

Fountain of YouthAfter thousands of years, this beautiful fountain’s pumping mechanism stillfunctions, but now it is used to oxygenate the water for lookdowns (Selene vomer), peacock flounder (Bothus lunatus) and French angelfish (Pomacanthus paru).

Clownfish ExhibitMade famous by the blockbuster movie Finding Nemo, the clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) and anemones (Condylactis gigantea) live in one of several recesses that led to the back alleyways of the city.

Ruins Lagoon ViewWhat was once a busy boulevard is now bustling with some of the planet’s most remarkable sea life. Look for giant manta rays (Manta birostris), zebra sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum), spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), yellowtail snappers (Ocyurus chrysurus), bonefish (Albula vulpes) and crevalle jacks (Caranx hippos).

Moray Eel ExhibitThis storage room for Atlantean potsand urns has become the perfect home for green moray eels (Gymnothorax funebris). Eels are actually fish. The green color of these animals is produced by a yellow mucous layer, which overlays the darker blue skin. They grow to an impressive length of 6 ft.

Lobster ExhibitOnce used by the Atlanteans for waste disposal, this site has now been taken over by spiny lobster (Panulirus argus). These reef dwellers grow by molting. This occurs when the shell, or exoskeleton, splits apart, exposing the new shell that has developed under it.

Grouper ExhibitThe goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) and the Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) now make their home in what was once a part of the lab. The goliath grouper can grow to more than 8 ft. in length and weigh more than 800 lbs. Groupers gather annually in huge numbers to spawn.

Seahorse ExhibitThis small chamber now houses our seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) exhibit. When reproducing, the female seahorse deposits her eggs inside the male’s brood pouch. The male then carries the developing babies until they are born. Seahorses have become endangered for a variety of reasons, including loss of habitat.

Fresco MuralThe Atlanteans left us with this beautiful mural depicting activity from their daily lives, illustrating a prosperous existence and a people living in harmony with the air, land and sea.

Treasury RoomThis vault-like chamber is where the Atlanteans stored their treasures and scientific records. Protecting this room are longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) and piranhas (Pygocentrus nattereri), which contrary to movie story lines, do not mindlessly attack people and other animals as they enter the water. When hungry, piranhas tend to attack weak and injured animals.

Lionfish ExhibitOnce the end of a main street, thisenclosed area is now home to lionfish (Pterois volitans). Native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, lionfish have become an invasive species in The Bahamas, outcompeting native species of fish for food sources.

Touch Tank ExhibitA trough where it is believed the Atlanteans cooled crystals after the cutting process serves as a perfect place for invertebrates. This exhibit includes sea urchins (Lytechinus variegatus), horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus), sea cucumbers (Holothuria floridana), starfish (Oreaster reticulatus) andqueen conch (Strombus gigas).

Submarine RoomFrom this room the Atlanteans launched an intense final effort to save their beloved land. On exhibit are diving suits with their elaborate helmets, a mounted Atlantean submarine, all surrounding a diving bell.

LaboratoryAtlanteans were extraordinary scientists as evidenced by the wealth of innovative apparatus in this room. The georesonant clock and other devices were used to record sensitive measurements and tocalculate and interpret data.

Jellyfish Exhibit These two rooms are believed to be storage chambers used to store light- sensitive navigational documents. It is the perfect setting to view the brown sea nettles (Chrysaora fuscescens) and the moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita). These animals are 98% water and do not have a brain, central nervous system or eyes.

Jewel Statuary ExhibitAtlanteans placed written wishes in the holes within the wall behind this ancient icon. Today, this sanctuary is inhabited by a variety of very colorful freshwater cichlids.

Coral Reef ExhibitThe alcove in this byway has become home to a variety of coral species. The small animals that make up a coral colony are called polyps and are filter feeders. Coral reefs are endangered due to pollution, climate change and overfishing.

Navigation RoomWhen planning their journeys, Atlanteans would utilize city models such as the one found in this room that projected information about the weather, accessible routes and planetary positions. To view this information, they donned helmets fitted with specialized lenses that corresponded to either land, sea or air travel.

Inside The Dig, you’ll experience the wonders of a world lost in time. As you

wander its ancient streets, you’ll find beautifully preserved Atlantean art and artifacts. Use this guide to help identify

all the marine life around you. If you have questions, our Navigators will be happy

to answer them. Enjoy the journey.

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View an amazing collection of Marine Habitats in open-air se�ings throughout the resort.

Hibiscus Lagoon(Feeding: 1:50 p.m. Tues. – Sun.)Atlantis is home to several endangered species, including green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Today, plastic waste items, such as plastic grocery bags, pose a serious threat to turtles when they are mistaken for jellyfish and consumed. Please avoid the use of plastics and recycle.

Reef LagoonThe nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) spend significant amounts of time resting on the bo�om while using their muscles to pump water over their gills.

Estuary LagoonMany of the newborns at Atlantis spend their early years in the safety of this shallow-water nursery environment. Southern stingrays (Dasyatis americana) and bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo) are frequent residents.

CenoteThe endangered alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) may grow up to 10 �. and is aptly named from the Greek word “spathe” meaning any tool with a broad flat blade. Also look for catfish and cichlids.

Stingray Lagoon(Feeding: 2 p.m. Tues. – Sun.)The southern stingray (Dasyatis americana) and cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) can be hand-fed under the supervision of our aquarist team. These animals still have their barb, or “stinger,” in place but use it only as a defense mechanism.

Seagrapes LagoonBahamian coral reef residents live here, from the queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) and rock beauty (Holacanthus tricolor) to assorted species of wrasses. 25% of all marine fish species are found on coral reefs — one of the most endangered of all marine habitats.

Predator LagoonThe suspension bridge or overlook tower are the best places to view our great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran). The acrylic tunnel offers unique views of goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), blacknose shark (Carcharhinus acronotus), tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) and Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi).

Water’s Edge LagoonThe migratory cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) school for protection and this confuses potential predators that try to single out one individual. Blacknose shark (Carcharhinus acronotus) expectant mothers are moved to the safety of this exhibit to deliver.

Royal Stingray Lagoon & Spo ed Eagle Ray LagoonHome to spo�ed eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) on one side and southern stingrays (Dasyatis americana) and blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) on the other.

The Dig & Ruins LagoonExperience The Dig – an 11,000- year-old lost continent. The Dig provides a unique excursion into a wondrous civilization that is now home to some of the world’s most amazing marine life. The zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum), eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) and various species of grunts and jacks are found here. Manta rays (Manta birostris) unfurl the lobes on the sides of their faces to direct plankton into their mouths when feeding.

Dolphin CayBo�lenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) get their name from their bo�le-shaped snout, or rostrum. But that snout is not actually their nose! Their nasal opening — or blowhole — is located on the top of their head. Visit the Dolphin Cay Education Center to learn more.

Mayan Temple Shark LagoonShark finning, the removal of shark fins with the rest of the shark discarded at sea, threatens many shark species. Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) and nurse sharks (Ginglymosto-ma cirratum) grow to lengths of 10 �. and 13 �., respectively, and are fabulous examples of the top predators in our oceans.

Cove Lily PondsIn the serene surroundings of The Cove Atlantis you will find tropical ponds with exotic purpleand white Lillis and an assortment of colorful cichlids. Located at The Cove.

EXPLORE WORLDS OF WONDER

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